Hey Joshua,
keep my VST windows open
You can use the ‘pin’ button to affix the plugin window to the screen
http://tutorials.renoise.com/wiki/Plugin#Plugin_Instrument_Properties
adjusting note length, spacing
Tracker workflow is defined by the use of keyboard. So I would recommend taking a look at Preferences > Keys.
In you case I would highlight the following:
CTRL+SHIFT+Insert : Insert new row in column (push down)
CTRL+SHIFT+Delete : Delete row in column (move up)
CTRL+SHIFT+F3/F4/F5: Cut/Copy/Paste column
Notice how all these shortcuts are using the CTRL+SHIFT modifier. This indicates the column.
But the same approach can be extended to other areas of the pattern:
CTRL : Pattern
SHIFT : Track
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For fine adjustments to the timing of notes you have the ‘nudge’ feature in the Advanced Edit panel
http://tutorials.renoise.com/wiki/Advanced_Edit
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Also, here is a pretty cool editing idea implemented as a tool
https://forum.renoise.com/t/nudge-note-block-editing-tool/45609